McLaren sold more cars than Lambo in 2016 ?

McLaren sold more cars? That headline doesn’t really surprise me. But it’s not 100% true. The fact remains, with +3200 units built, McLaren is quickly catching up on the +3400 units of Lamborghini.

First of all, I should start off by saying that Lamborghini is one of the most prosperous brands in the “sports cars” world. They sell A LOT of cars (3457 units in 2016). I don’t think I’d be wrong in saying the Gallardo is without a doubt the most-sold sports car in the world. One would think: how is it possible that a smaller company like McLaren, that hadn’t built anything since 1992 and the legendary McLaren F1, a company that seemed mainly focused on Formula One in the past 10 years, has sold almost as many cars as the raging bull from Sant’Agatha (in a very closed and selective market)?

Well my explanation is quite simple. Ever since the McLaren MP4-12C, only six years ago, the company has had a completely new strategy: they want to build more and more cars, with apparently one new model each year. The heritage of the McLaren F1 helped a lot with brand aura and recognition among potential owners, making the sales easier. Their come-back in the “supercar” world with the McLaren P1 was a success, being part of the “holy trinity”. Having not one but at least TWO flagship cars (F1 & P1) helps sell cars. They seem to want to limit production to 4000 vehicles every year, which remains a lot, but less than Ferrari’s plans (hoping 8K cars a year, which I find simply “too much”).

Catching up with the likes of Lambo that fast is an achievement in itself, and McLaren should be praised for it. But having that many different models, I personnally find that absolutely insane, and it will create a huge confusion in the range (if that’s not already the case). 12C, 650s, 675LT, 540C… I’m already very confused.

McLaren sold more car than Lambo in 2016

McLaren sold more cars than Lambo in 2016 ? was last modified: January 10th, 2017 by Alexandre Aubin